France, None
Wine is being produced throughout France and has been done for over 2,500 years with certain Châteaux dating their history back to Roman times, around 6th Century BC. Ranking second in the world in per-capita consumption and first in total production quantity. More-so than the overall quantity of wine is the quantity of truly great wines coming out of France makes the nation the envy of wine-making nations worldwide.
Two concepts pivotal to the higher end French wines, in particular, are the idea of 'terroir' and the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system. Terroir refers to the way the geography, geology and climate find their way into the glass, telling a story of the origin of the wine. The AOC was set up in 1935 and has the primary goal of protecting the authenticity of the wines and the livelihoods of the producers. Appellation rules strictly define which varieties of grapes and winemaking practices are approved for classification in each of France's several hundred geographically defined appellations, which can cover entire regions, individual villages or in some cases, like in Burgundy even specific vineyards.
Classic wine regions in France include Champagne (home of Champagne), Burgundy (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay), Bordeaux (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot), Alsace (Aromatic varietals), Loire Valley (Chenin Blanc, Crémant) and the Rhône Valley (Syrah, Grenache Mourvedre)
The Bordeaux classification of 1855 is still in use, as is the Sauternes and Barsac Classification of the same year. Wines from certain regions can be bought En Primeur, which is when the wine is sold prior to it being bottled.
Two concepts pivotal to the higher end French wines, in particular, are the idea of 'terroir' and the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system. Terroir refers to the way the geography, geology and climate find their way into the glass, telling a story of the origin of the wine. The AOC was set up in 1935 and has the primary goal of protecting the authenticity of the wines and the livelihoods of the producers. Appellation rules strictly define which varieties of grapes and winemaking practices are approved for classification in each of France's several hundred geographically defined appellations, which can cover entire regions, individual villages or in some cases, like in Burgundy even specific vineyards.
Classic wine regions in France include Champagne (home of Champagne), Burgundy (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay), Bordeaux (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot), Alsace (Aromatic varietals), Loire Valley (Chenin Blanc, Crémant) and the Rhône Valley (Syrah, Grenache Mourvedre)
The Bordeaux classification of 1855 is still in use, as is the Sauternes and Barsac Classification of the same year. Wines from certain regions can be bought En Primeur, which is when the wine is sold prior to it being bottled.
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Sourced from the warm and sunny Vaucluse region of the South of France, renowned for making crisp, delicious rose for a bargain price. Gorgeous pale salmon colour, with an equally pretty nose of strawberries and cream. Exceptionally well made, crisp, ... Learn MoreA L'Ombre Des Parasols Vaucluse Rose 2019$14.99 Per item -
Sourced from selected vineyards in the area of Carcassonne & the Minervois where there is a predominance of clay and limestone soils, with grapes picked on flavour and yield. The wines are produced and bottled in association with Celliers Jean d'Alibert. ... Learn MoreVal St Pierre 'Vin De Pays D'Oc' Chardonnay 2020$19.99 Per item -
Exclusive to United Cellars - our most popular Syrah! A sumptuous and youthful Syrah from sun-drenched vineyards in the south of France. Aromatic nose with aromas of small mashed red fruits mixed with spicy and smokey hints. Rich and silky ... Learn More -
Founded in 1570 by the Picoron family, Château Picoron has a long history of wine. Now days, Château Picoron is operated by an Australian family. What we produce is as much a celebration of the history of our winery, ... Learn MoreChateau Petit Picoron Bordeaux 2016$34.99 Per item -
The grapes of the Le Clos Martin are carefully sourced and the process of vintification and aging utilizes centuries of knowledge and techniques crafted by the Louis Moreau family who produce wine at the highest of quality standards. ... Learn MoreChablis A.O.C "Clos Martin" 2018$39.99 Per item -
This Mother’s Day, spoil her with a gift that shows her how much she’s appreciated. Our ultimate Mother’s Day Surprise and Delight gift pack is guaranteed to make her smile. This pack includes a 750ml bottle ... Learn More
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100% Chardonnay Grand Cru fruit sourced from the "White Hillside" Vineyards of the Autreau Estate. The family Autreau is an old family from Champillon - ancient documents certify their presence since 1670. This family is linked to the farming of the land ... Learn MoreChampagne Autreau Brut Blanc De Blancs Grand Cru NV$84.99 Per item -
This indulgent pampering gift pack with wine, gourmet chocolates and soothing bath salts is sure to hit the mark with Mum. Mother's Day only comes around once a year, so make it count! That’s why this pack includes ... Learn More
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WINNER, Best Buy Wines IMPORTS OVER $35, Gourmet Traveller Magazine August 2021 The history of the Drappier family began in the 13th century, when Saint Bernard built a block of flats in Urville for the Abbey Clairvaux. The all new cuvée ... Learn MoreChampagne Drappier 'Clarevallis' Organic Extra Brut Nv$109.99 Per item -
Jean-Manuel Jacquinot obtained a degree in Oenology at the esteemed University of Reims. After this he became trainee oenologist at the world famous house of Veuve Clicquot. Today, Jean-Manuel has over 20 years of experience in making Champagne, is a Member ... Learn MoreJacquinot & Fils Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne$109.99 Per item -
The history of the Drappier family began in the 13th century, when Saint Bernard constructed a building in Urville that would become the Abbey Clairvaux. The Carte d'Or is one of Drappier's most famous Cuvee's. The Reserve de l'Oentheque is ... Learn MoreChampagne Drappier Reserve De L'Oenotheque 2002$259.00 Per item -
The history of the Drappier family began in the 13th century, when Saint Bernard built a block of flats in Urville for the Abbey Clairvaux. The Carte d'Or is one Drappier's most famous Cuvee's. The Reserve de l'Oentheque is a ... Learn MoreChampagne Drappier Reserve De L'Oenotheque 1979$699.99 Per item -
The 2018 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru offers plenty of sweet red cherry and cranberry fruit on the nose, which is a little smudged compared to the Corton-Renardes. The palate is a bit raw on the entry, offering moderate weight and rather stringy ... Learn MoreCharles Van Canneyt Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2018$850.00 Per item
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